At the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Friday morning, dozens of families could be seen braving the frigid air, waiting in anticipation for the imminent arrival of Santa Claus.

They were there for the start of the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities, which opened at 11 a.m. when a City of Kenai fire engine arrived bearing the man in red. Inside, children could see a pair of live reindeer, endure the mischief of the Grinch, greet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and share their Christmas wishes with Santa. On the way out, they could pick out gifts, cookies and a cup of hot chocolate.

The event is “a massive undertaking,” Chamber Executive Director Samantha Springer said Friday. Months in advance they have to start lining up appearances, donations and giveaways.

The event is special, Springer said, because it’s something the chamber is able to provide that’s completely free. People “can depend on coming here and getting something special for their kids.”

“We put so much work into it for that exact reason,” she said. “We want everyone in the community to have something really fun to look forward to.”

Lynx Robertia, an 11-year-old, said the experience of seeing Santa is a gift of its own, because he’s a figure that represents “believing in something.” She asked him for a bearded dragon.

Of all to see and do on Friday morning, Robertia said her favorite part were the reindeer. One of the first stops for the long queue to Santa’s lap was a room with two reindeer. Their handler, Hara Hanson, told passing children that the reindeer were Donner’s daughters.

After passing through the line and after meeting Santa, kids ended their visit by picking out gifts from a booth manned by dancers from Forever Dance, dressed as elves.

Among the elves were Madison Forest and Kadence Holmes. The pair said they enjoyed getting to play a role in making the children happy. They noted that monster trucks, dolls and toy helicopters had seemed popular with the kids passing through.

“It’s sharing the magic of Christmas with everybody around town,” Forest said.

The event at the chamber was open for around five hours, though the festivity continues in the evening with the electric light parade down Frontage Road and fireworks over the Steve Shearer Memorial Ball Field. Those are set to kick off at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information about Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities, find “Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Santa Claus arrives to Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus greets Willow and Marigold Dabill during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Reindeer gaze back at children during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

The Grinch stands for a photo with Eli Smith during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus arrives to Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A festive dinosaur greets visitors to Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Jace and Tali Kimmel share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)